Image: What is Jason Gillespie blaming Aaqib Javed for? / © India Today
After being removed as Pakistan’s red-ball coach, Jason Gillespie has openly accused Aaqib Javed of conspiring against him to take full control of the national team. Gillespie, who was appointed after the T20 World Cup 2024, was sacked midway through his tenure, with Aaqib Javed replacing him as interim coach and later taking charge of all three formats.
The controversy escalated when Aaqib blamed frequent changes in team management for Pakistan’s poor performances in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. In response, Gillespie called him a “clown” and accused him of working behind the scenes to secure his own appointment. Gillespie revealed that he always suspected internal politics and was not surprised when Aaqib was named coach. He said:
He certainly has to take responsibility. He made it clear he wanted to be the chief selector, and he made it clear how he wanted the team to go about their work. And that’s fine. That’s his role. But ultimately, when he took on the job, as you mentioned, I don’t know what exact conversations were going on behind the scenes, but I always felt that things were going on behind the scenes that I certainly wasn’t aware of. And it didn’t surprise me when he was announced as interim coach that that was, that was all, in my opinion, that was always on the cards. It was always, I always felt that was going to happen. Read into that how you want. But ultimately, the buck stops with him now with this performance at the Champions Trophy.
Despite Pakistan’s disappointing campaign, Aaqib retained his position and will lead the team on their upcoming New Zealand tour. Gillespie argued that Aaqib wanted total control, and now, with underwhelming results, he must take responsibility. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has faced criticism for the instability in the coaching staff, raising questions about the team’s direction. While Aaqib stays in charge, the conflict between the two former cricketers highlights deeper issues within Pakistan cricket.